The 2026 edition

The 2026Vuelta a España promises to be a special edition. From Saturday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Sept. 13, the peloton will cross Spain.

The riders begin with a spectacular start in Monaco and a thrilling denouement in Granada.

For fans on the Costa Blanca, this edition is extra special: the region is the setting for one of the toughest stages in the first week.

Highlights on the Costa Blanca: Villajoyosa and the Alto de Aitana

The ninth stage on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, is the day the entire province of Alicante is looking forward to. The start will take place in the port of Villajoyosa.

From the coast, riders head into the rugged interior for a 187.5-kilometer ride. The finish is at the top of the Alto de Aitana.

This off-category climb returns to the course after 10 years, right on the 25th anniversary of its Vuelta debut.

It is a brutal climb that could go a long way in the overall standings before the riders enjoy their first rest day in the region.

Key participants and teams

The 2026 Vuelta attracts an impressive field of participants, with the battle between Spain’s home riders and the top Dutch riders taking center stage.

The Spanish favorites

Spanish fans are hoping for a successor to the big names of the past. The focus is on:

• Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates): the young star who will be extra motivated in his own region (Alicante);

• Carlos Rodríguez (INEOS Grenadiers): a constant factor in the grand tours and strong in the high mountains;

• Enric Mas (Movistar Team): the experienced tour rider who always competes for the podium in the Vuelta.

The Dutch contribution

The Netherlands will appear at the start with strong assets, focusing on both stage wins and the general classification:

• Visma-Lease a Bike: the top Dutch team will come with a strong selection, possibly including guys like Thymen Arensman or Wilco Kelderman;

• Olav Kooij: should he start, he will be the man to beat in the few sprint stages such as stage 8 to Xeraco;

• Climbing talent: young Dutch climbers will use the Alto de Aitana to put themselves on the map worldwide.

Full stage schedule Vuelta 2026

Below is the summary of all 21 stages. Watch the 9th stage for action in the Costa Blanca:

• Stage 1: Monaco – Monaco (individual time trial), 9 km;

• Stage 2: Monaco – Manosque, 215 km;

• Stage 3: Gruissan – Font Romeu, 166 km;

• Stage 4: Andorra la Vella – Andorra la Vella, 104 km;

• Stage 5: Falset – Roquetes, 171 km;

• Stage 6: Alcossebre – Castellón, 176 km;

• Stage 7: Vall d’Alba – Valdelinares, 149 km;

• Stage 8: Puçol – Xeraco, 168 km;

• Stage 9: Villajoyosa – Alto de Aitana, 187 km;

• Rest day 1: Monday, Aug. 31;

• Stage 10: Alcaraz – Elche de la Sierra, 184 km;

• Stage 11: Cartagena – Lorca, 156 km;

• Stage 12: Vera – Calar Alto, 166 km;

• Stage 13: Almuñécar – Loja, 193 km;

• Stage 14: Jaén – Sierra de la Pandera, 152 km;

• Stage 15: Palma del Río – Córdoba, 181 km;

• Rest day 2: Monday, Sept. 7;

• Stage 16: Cortegana – Palos de la Frontera, 186 km;

• Stage 17: Dos Hermanas – Sevilla, 189 km;

• Stage 18: El Puerto de Santa María – Jerez de la Frontera (individual time trial), 32 km;

• Stage 19: Vélez-Málaga – Peñas Blancas, 205 km;

• Stage 20: La Calahorra – Collado del Alguacil, 187 km;

• Stage 21: Granada – Granada (finish at the Alhambra), 99 km.

How do you follow the 2026 Vuelta?

For those who cannot stand along the road in Villajoyosa or on the Aitana, the race can be followed extensively on television or online.

All stages will be broadcast live on Eurosport and can be streamed via HBO Max. In the Netherlands and Belgium, the NOS and Sporza provide daily analysis and highlights.